Before they started, though, Conan attempted to get into Magic’s head by claiming that he almost looks like Magic’s former Boston Celtics rival, Larry Bird. “I grew up in Boston,” Conan said. “I grew up during that era, young man. That’s when I’m in high school. That’s when I’m in college, watching you guys play. And I was always rooting for Bird,” Conan told Magic. “I rooted for him because he was the palest, sickest man. And he was playing in the NBA.”

Once Conan and Magic were done horsing around, it became pretty clear that Conan couldn’t begin to measure up to the former Los Angeles Laker. As the late night host struggled to find his inner Bird, he decided to try another tactic. A Larry Bird mask.

With a paper mask, complete with cut-out eye holes, strapped on, Conan got all up in Magic’s face, asking, “Does this bring back any memories?” He set the stage: “You’re in Boston. It’s Boston Garden. It’s Boston Garden. I’m coming for you.” But the pressure wasn’t getting to Magic. The basketball great just broke out laughing before deciding that he too needed a Larry Bird mask.

“Man, this is the first time I’m wearing a white face here,” said Magic. “I got Larry bird’s face on as a black man. Wow.”